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PAMPA'S ADI PURANA
85
Then followed the assignment of good works fit for social service, and national welfare; letters, agriculture, sastraic learning, commercial training, arts and sculpture. The Lord defined the duties of the three varnas. (The creation of the varna called Brahmana was the work of Bharata Chakravarti).
(1) Kshatriyas-to mind Sastraic Karmas, and wield wea. pons of war; (2) Vaniks to mind cattle, cultivation, and exchange. (3) Sudras were of two classes (a) touchable and (b) untouchable. Both were to do service of all sorts for the others.
The Lord did not authorise or allow Varna Samskara (or the mixing of the varnas) fixed regulations relating to marriages, and protected against inter-marriages among the varnas.
The money (tax or revenue) received from the people was returned to them in some shape or other,
On Ashadha dark Padyami, the world was arranged in the manner above described; and done by the Lord, the period is known as Kritayuga-the age of making (of the world).
Indra now desired to crown our Lord Adi Brahma, and the celebration of the coronation was in no way less in grandeur than Indra's celebration of the Second Kalyana or the Janmabhisheka Kalyana.
Brahma pointed to the mouth, arms, thighs, and feet-to indicate that the four castes should live by their use. Foolish men however interpreted this as meaning that the four castes were born in those four places, and establishing an order of superiority among them. Fools, they know not truth from falsehood.
To the Brahman was assigned the Shatkarmas ie. Learning and teaching of the Sastras, giving and Receiving of Gifts, and offering of Sacrifices and officiating as Priests. (sacrifice ..ere does not mean animal sacrifice).
To the Kshatriya-Truthfulness, Charity, care of the subjects, Protection of those that needed protection, Punishing the Wrongdoer, and Patience.
To the Vanik-Travelling on land and water, and dealing
in money.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com